Tips for Homeschooling During the Little Years

1. Hold schedules loosely
The little years can be unpredictable; with sicknesses, growth spurts, developmental leaps, and oftentimes toddlers or babies underfoot. Rhythms and routines are indeed important, especially for little ones, but the schedule your family needs might look different from the one you had originally planned.

2. Prioritize sleep and nutrition
Not enough energy or sleep (for you or your children) can really throw the whole day into a tailspin. As much as you're able, make quality sleep and nutritious meals a top priority. But remember to be gentle with yourself and your little ones on the days it doesn't happen. Oftentimes a nutritious snack and/or a bit of rest can be just the thing to get back on track.

3. Sometimes less is more.
Short, simple, engaging lessons that involve both large and fine motor skills and require mimimal seat work are ideal. If your child is having trouble focusing, sometimes it's best to simply move on and return to the activity later. The goal is to set a tone of excitement and wonder around learning and not make it feel like monotonous busy work.

4. Sometimes more is more
You will not regret spending just a few more minutes outdoors, reading just one more book out loud, or postponing a lesson for a while because you notice your children are engaged in deep, imaginative play and you want to give them more time.

5. Embrace the mess
Doing anything with small children will inevitably involve messes. So embrace the spilled paint, muddy boots, flour dusted clothes, and sticky fingerprints. These little years are fleeting, but the bonds you're building with your children in these small, messy moments are the foundation for lifelong relationships.

What would you add to this list? Let us know in the comments!

If you're looking for a simple curriculum filled with hands on activities and beautiful books our Peaceful Preschool or Nourishing Nature Kindergarten resources are a wonderful place to start!